Prospective Patient Preferences for Humor in Urologists Treating Erectile Dysfunction: A Survey Study.

INTRODUCTION: Men seeking treatment for sexual dysfunction can experience embarrassment as a result of stigma. This research manuscript presents the findings of a survey conducted to investigate the influence of humor on prospective patients' preferences when selecting a specialist to address erectile dysfunction (ED). METHODS: The respondents were presented with five pairs of mock urology business cards: one professional and one humorous. A questionnaire was designed and distributed via an online survey platform. Descriptive statistics and Fisher's exact test were performed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 29 (IBM SPSS Statistics, Armonk, NY) to evaluate age and race associations with card preference. RESULTS: Among the 997 participants, an average of 66.1% (a median of 71.2%) preferred professional cards. Humorous card selection rates ranged from 5.2% to 38.4% compared to 54.0% to 78.1% for professional cards. A statistically significant relationship between age and professional card choice existed in all except the fifth set of cards (p = 0.001, 0.001, 0.001, 0.001, and 0.054). The relationship between race or ethnicity and business card preference was not reported due to an imbalance in demographics, with most participants identifying as Caucasian. DISCUSSION: A humor-centric approach may not resonate with all individuals seeking treatment for sensitive conditions such as ED. Limitations include the subjectivity of humor, the use of an online survey platform, and the hypothetical nature of this study. Real patients experiencing ED may face stigma and respond to humor differently. CONCLUSION: This study provides insights into patient preference for professionalism over humor from their urologist but leaves room for the exploration of humor in medical contexts. Future studies could examine the impacts of humor on patient choices in real-world healthcare settings.

Trends, safety, and efficacy of wearable male sexual devices.

INTRODUCTION: The prevalence of male sexual dysfunction (MSD) increases with age, with >50% of men aged >40 years reporting erectile dysfunction (ED). In recent years, wearable male sex devices (WMSDs) have been increasingly utilized by patients and recommended by sexual medicine clinicians. OBJECTIVES: This study seeks to investigate the safety and efficacy of products currently marketed for the treatment of MSD. METHODS: Available products for WMSDs were reviewed by analyzing product websites, forums, advertisements, and clinical recommendations. Qualitative comparisons were based on patient reviews, cost, and specific features. Investigatory evidence and Food and Drug Administration status were also reviewed. Additionally, Google Trends was used to determine the popularity of devices over time. RESULTS: Eight WMSDs for the treatment of MSD and enhancement of sexual pleasure were reviewed. Constriction bands, such as the Maintain Ring Loop, Eddie by Giddy, and Xialla, have shown significant benefits in clinical trials and were the most popular devices among patients. Smart devices can provide real-time feedback on erectile quality and/or sexual performance. Similar to the RigiScan, the Adam sensor provides feedback on erectile quality while monitoring changes in penile tumescence during sleep with additional analysis available through a mobile application. Neuromodulation devices such as the Morari Patch and vPatch/in2 Patch use electrical stimulation to delay ejaculation and improve sexual function. The FirmTech Performance Ring uses sensors to track the vital signs of erectile fitness with clinical trials ongoing. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, this review describes the available investigatory evidence for a range of WMSDs and highlights the potential benefits and limitations of these devices in treating MSD and enhancing sexual pleasure. Further research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of these devices and to determine which ones may be the most suitable for individual patients.

Polygenic Scores Clarify the Relationship Between Mental Health and Gender Diversity.

Background: Gender-diverse individuals are at increased risk for mental health problems, but it is unclear whether this is due to shared environmental or genetic factors. Methods: In two SPARK samples, we tested for associations of 16 polygenic scores (PGSs) with quantitative measures of gender diversity and mental health. In study 1, 639 independent adults (59% autistic) reported their mental health with the Adult Self-Report and their gender diversity with the Gender Self-Report (GSR). The GSR has 2 dimensions: binary (degree of identification with the gender opposite that implied by sex designated at birth) and nonbinary (degree of identification with a gender that is neither male nor female). In study 2 (N = 5165), we used a categorical measure of gender identity. Results: In study 1, neuropsychiatric PGSs were positively associated with Adult Self-Report scores: externalizing was positively associated with the attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder PGS (ß = 0.10 [0.03-0.17]), and internalizing was positively associated with the PGSs for depression (ß = 0.07 [0-0.14]) and neuroticism (ß = 0.10 [0.03-0.17]). Interestingly, GSR scores were not significantly associated with any neuropsychiatric PGS. However, GSR nonbinary was positively associated with the cognitive performance PGS (ß = 0.11 [0.05-0.18]), with the effect size comparable in magnitude to the associations of the neuropsychiatric PGSs with the Adult Self-Report. Additionally, GSR binary was positively associated with the nonheterosexual sexual behavior PGS (ß = 0.07 [0-0.14]). In study 2, the cognitive performance PGS effect replicated; transgender and nonbinary individuals had higher PGSs (t316 = 4.16). Conclusions: We showed that while gender diversity is phenotypically positively associated with mental health problems, the strongest PGS associations with gender diversity were with the cognitive performance PGS, not the neuropsychiatric PGSs.

This research explores the connection between gender diversity, mental health, and genetic factors. It reveals that gender-diverse individuals often experience more mental health issues. Interestingly, rather than finding evidence linking these mental health challenges to genetic risk factors, the study discovered a replicable positive correlation between gender diversity and genetic markers for higher cognitive performance. This suggests that gender-diverse individuals typically have more of these cognitive performance gene variants. Finally, the study presents some early evidence suggesting that interactions between the environment (e.g., stigma) and genetic risk explain some of the elevated risk to mental health in gender-diverse individuals.

Physical Activity Among Rural Men: Barriers and Preferences.

INTRODUCTION: Physical activity positively affects health. Although 94% of Americans know the health benefits of regular physical activity, more than 75% do not achieve recommended levels. The objective of our study was to identify and define the key components of a physical activity intervention tailored to rural American men. METHODS: We recruited rural men (N = 447) via Amazon's Mechanical Turk online platform to complete a needs assessment survey focused on their interest in a physical activity intervention, preferred intervention features, and potential intervention objectives. Data were summarized by using descriptive statistics. A cumulative logistic regression model examined associations between the men's perceived importance of physical activity to health and their interest in a physical activity intervention. RESULTS: Almost all participants (97.7%) rated physical activity as "at least somewhat important" to their health, and 83.9% indicated they would be "at least somewhat interested" in participating in a physical activity intervention. On a scale of 1 (not at all a barrier) to 5 (very much a barrier), motivation (mean 3.4; 95% CI, 3.3-3.5), cold weather (mean, 3.4; 95% CI, 3.3-3.5), and tiredness (mean, 3.3; 95% CI, 3.2-3.4) were rated the biggest barriers to physical activity. Becoming fitter (54.1%) was the top reason for joining a physical activity program. Preferred delivery channels for receiving an intervention were mobile application (ranked from 1 being the most preferred and 9 being the least preferred: mean, 2.8; 95% CI, 2.70-3.09) and e-mail (mean, 4.2; 95% CI, 3.92-4.36). Rural men preferred interventions that taught them how to exercise and that could be done from home. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest US men in rural areas are receptive to physical activity programs. A systematic approach and a clear model of development are needed to tailor future physical activity interventions to the special needs of rural men.

Retrospective study of testosterone deficiency and symptom burden in patients with pancreatic cancer.

Background: Pancreatic cancer patients have poor quality of life. Testosterone deficiency is associated with constitutional symptoms and sexual dysfunction which may contribute to poor quality of life. We investigated the prevalence of screening for and presence of testosterone deficiency in male pancreatic cancer patients. Methods: To determine the frequency of screening for testosterone deficiency in pancreatic cancer patients, our institution's electronic medical record system was queried for male patients diagnosed with a pancreatic mass between 2006 and 2020 and an available testosterone level. In a separate analysis, total testosterone was measured in serum samples from a cohort of 89 male pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) patients. Low serum testosterone was defined as <300 ng/dL. Results: One thousand five hundred and sixty-six male patients were identified with a pancreatic mass, and 35 (2.2%) also had a testosterone level. In our analysis cohort, 44 of 89 patients (49.4%) were found to have low serum testosterone. Symptoms consistent with testosterone deficiency were documented for 70% of these patients, with fatigue being the most common. Testosterone level had no significant association with progression-free survival (PFS) (P=0.66) or overall survival (OS) (P=0.95). Conclusions: Testosterone deficiency is common but rarely assessed in male patients with pancreatic cancer. Further studies are warranted to explore the possibility of testosterone supplementation to improve quality of life in this patient population.

Novel Men's Health Curriculum Increases Fraternity Members' Knowledge, Confidence, and Willingness to Seek Help for Health Concerns.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate fraternity members' men's health knowledge, confidence in understanding, and the likelihood of seeking help for men's health concerns and to assess the impact of a novel men's health curriculum on each of these measures. METHODS: Members of 6 undergraduate fraternities (n = 189) viewed a 45-minute presentation about men's health topics and completed before and after surveys. RESULTS: The presentation increased men's health knowledge, confidence in understanding men's health concerns and when/where to seek help, and the likelihood of seeking help for men's health concerns. Health knowledge did not correlate with confidence or likelihood of seeking help. Confidence positively correlated with the likelihood of seeking help before and after the presentation. CONCLUSION: A short presentation on common men's health topics increases health knowledge, confidence, and the likelihood of seeking help for these concerns. Increased confidence in understanding, rather than health knowledge, was associated with an increased willingness to seek help.

Inflatable penile prosthesis placement after prior transcorporal artificial urinary sphincter placement: A case report.

Stress urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction often coexist in men surgically treated for prostate cancer. Despite many men having both an artificial urinary sphincter and inflatable penile prosthesis to treat these conditions, there is limited information in the literature to guide surgeons when it comes to placing both devices. We recommend obtaining direct exposure of proximal crura to allow for complete dilation of corporal spaces for proper prosthetic placement. Further dissection via penoscrotal incision or perineal counter-incision can be utilized. Surgeons should consider dorsal lithotomy position at time of IPP placement to allow for perineal exposure.

Sexual Dysfunction Among Adolescent and Young Adult Men Diagnosed with Cancer.

Purpose: Adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer patients frequently demonstrate sexual dysfunction; however, there is a lack of data quantifying the severity and frequency. Methods: Males aged 18-39 years, diagnosed with cancer of any kind and who were scheduled to begin, were actively receiving, or had completed cancer treatment within 6 months, were offered validated surveys during their oncology appointment. These surveys included the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-6), Masturbation Erection Index (MEI), 36-Item Short Form Survey, and 5-point Likert scales to assess their desire and ability to engage in sex and masturbation. Results: Forty subjects completed the IIEF survey with a mean score of 17.7 ± 11, erectile dysfunction (ED) prevalence accordingly was 58%. Thirty-eight subjects completed the MEI with a mean score of 25.3 ± 5.3, ED prevalence was again 58%. Age and IIEF scores demonstrated a statistically significant (p < 0.05, n = 38) Pearson's correlation coefficient of 0.40, patients younger than 30 years had an ED prevalence of 72% (mean IIEF 13), whereas patients aged 30 years and older had an ED prevalence of 45% (mean IIEF 22). All treatment modalities had ED rates >30%: chemotherapy demonstrated the highest prevalence at 64% (mean IIEF 17), whereas radiation therapy had the lowest prevalence at 33% (mean IIEF 23). Conclusion: This study demonstrates that the prevalence of sexual dysfunction among male AYA patients undergoing treatment for cancer is high. AYA oncologists should discuss potential sexual health concerns when treating this population. The exact cause of ED (non-organic vs. organic) within this group should be explored further.

The Wahls Behavior Change Model for Complex Chronic Diseases: A Clinician's Guide.

Behavior change models are used to understand and intervene on health-related behaviors and outcomes. However, there is a gap in the literature regarding how to create and maintain behavior change in patients with complex chronic diseases such as Multiple Sclerosis (MS). To address this gap, the Wahls Behavior ChangeTM Model (WBCM) (The trademark applies to subsequent mention of the model.) was developed based on existing behavior change theory, empirical evidence, and extensive clinical experience caring for patients with complex chronic diseases. A patient-centered, comprehensive, and multimodal approach, this model provides a framework for understanding and implementing lifestyle behavior change. The overall goals of this paper are to: (1) review existing behavior change theories; (2) introduce the WBCM, including the model's 11 Principles for behavior change in patients with complex chronic diseases; and (3) share how providers can be trained to implement the WBCM. The WBCM can potentially improve short- and longer-term function and quality of life outcomes for people with complex chronic diseases.

Diagnostic criteria for enduring sexual dysfunction after treatment with antidepressants, finasteride and isotretinoin.

BACKGROUND: A set of enduring conditions have been reported in the literature involving persistent sexual dysfunction after discontinuation of serotonin reuptake inhibiting antidepressants, 5 alpha-reductase inhibitors and isotretinoin. OBJECTIVE: To develop diagnostic criteria for post-SSRI sexual dysfunction (PSSD), persistent genital arousal disorder (PGAD) following serotonin reuptake inhibitors, post-finasteride syndrome (PFS) and post-retinoid sexual dysfunction (PRSD). METHODS: The original draft was designed using data from two published case series (Hogan et al., 2014 and Healy et al., 2018), which represent the largest public collections of data on these enduring conditions. It was further developed with the involvement of a multidisciplinary panel of experts. RESULTS: A set of criteria were agreed upon for each of the above conditions. Features of PSSD, PFS and PRSD commonly include decreased genital and orgasmic sensation, decreased sexual desire and erectile dysfunction. Ancillary non-sexual symptoms vary depending on the specific condition but can include emotional blunting and cognitive impairment. PGAD presents with an almost mirror image of unwanted sensations of genital arousal or irritability in the absence of sexual desire. A new term, post-SSRI asexuality, is introduced to describe a dampening of sexual interest and pleasure resulting from a pre-natal or pre-teen exposure to a serotonin reuptake inhibitor. CONCLUSIONS: These criteria will help in both clinical and research settings. As with all criteria, they will likely need modification in the light of developments.

Functional hypogonadism among patients with obesity, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome.

Testosterone deficiency, defined as low total testosterone combined with physical, cognitive, and sexual signs and/or symptoms, is a common finding in adult men. Functional hypogonadism (FH) is defined as borderline low testosterone (T) secondary to aging and/or comorbid conditions such as diabetes, obesity, and/or metabolic syndrome. The relationship between FH and metabolic disorders is multifactorial and bidirectional, and associated with a disruption of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. Resolution of FH requires the correct diagnosis and treatment of the underlying condition(s) with lifestyle modifications considered first-line therapy. Normalization of T levels through dietary modifications such as caloric restriction and restructuring of macronutrients have recently been explored. Exercise and sleep quality have been associated with T levels, and patients should be encouraged to practice resistance training and sleep seven to nine hours per night. Supplementation with vitamin D and Trigonella foenum-graecum may also be considered when optimizing T levels. Ultimately, treatment of FH requires a multidisciplinary approach and personalized patient care.

Barriers to receiving testosterone replacement therapy in the community during COVID-19 pandemic.

BACKGROUND: While the etiology for the upsurge in testosterone testing and prescriptions is likely multifactorial, increased direct-to-consumer marketing and the expansion of clinical care centers devoted to testosterone treatment likely play a role. Many of these centers require patients to report, in-person, on a regular basis for their injectable therapy and/or lab studies. The purpose of our study was to investigate barriers of care that patients receiving treatment for testosterone deficiency may be experiencing in the setting of COVID-19. METHODS: Our survey was posted on a closed Facebook support page for males currently receiving testosterone treatment and members of the group were invited to participate. The survey asked participants several questions related to how they received their injections, if they've experienced difficulties obtaining their injections due to COVID-19 restrictions, and about their interest in telemedicine services for their care. RESULTS: The majority of patients were able to receive their treatment despite barriers enforced by the pandemic. Of the 104 participants, almost half received their testosterone prescriptions from an outpatient clinic dedicated to testosterone replacement, while the other half received their therapy from a PCP, endocrinologist, or urologist. Only 5 patients (4.8%) noted difficulties obtaining their injections during this pandemic, 4 of which received their prescriptions from dedicated testosterone clinics, and the other from a PCP. Nearly 90% of respondents self-administered their testosterone therapy. With regards to telemedicine, 57.8% of patients have utilized the technology in some capacity, however 74.4% said that they would prefer to use telemedicine video services with a urologist or APP with expertise in andrology over in-person services. CONCLUSIONS: In our survey, the majority of the respondents have been able to receive their injectable testosterone therapy despite the ongoing pandemic. The majority of respondents self-administer their treatments, which may explain the lack of barriers. This study is the first of its kind to investigate the effect of a pandemic on the receipt of care for those being treated for testosterone deficiency with injectable testosterone.

Characterizing post-SSRI sexual dysfunction and its impact on quality of life through an international online survey.

BACKGROUND: Post-SSRI sexual dysfunction (PSSD) is an underrecognized and poorly understood medical condition characterized by sexual dysfunction that persists despite SSRI discontinuation. OBJECTIVE: We conducted a survey of individuals with PSSD to better characterize this condition and its impact on various quality of life concerns. METHODS: Surveys were distributed to an online support group for individuals with PSSD. Surveys assessed medications suspected of causing PSSD and symptoms experienced during and after treatment. Respondents reported the trajectory of their condition, the efficacy of different treatments, and the impact of PSSD on their quality of life. RESULTS: 239 survey responses were included in this study. A majority of respondents had a history of SSRI use (92%) compared to only SNRI or atypical antidepressant use (8%). The overall severity of symptoms improved for 45% and worsened or remained the same for 37% of respondents after discontinuing treatment with serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Only 12% of respondents reported being counseled regarding potential sexual dysfunction while taking antidepressants. The majority rated the effect of PSSD on their quality of life as extremely negative (59%) or very negative (23%). CONCLUSION: PSSD can have an overwhelmingly negative impact on quality of life. Currently, it is unclear why certain individuals develop PSSD and there are no definitive treatments for this condition. Further research of PSSD and greater awareness of this condition is needed among prescribers of serotonin reuptake inhibitors to improve patient care.

Identifying Signs and Symptoms of Obstructive Sleep Apnea in a Men's Health Clinic: The Utility of Home Sleep Apnea Testing During COVID-19.

The objective of the study was to identify symptoms of men presenting for an outpatient urology visit that prompted referral for a Home Sleep Apnea Test (HSAT) to assess for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) by a single provider. To assess the proportion of patients referred for the HSAT who underwent the test and, out of these patients, the proportion of men diagnosed with sleep apnea, we performed a retrospective chart review of men 18-99 years old seen by a single provider in the Department of Urology referred for an HSAT to evaluate for presenting symptoms. Patients with a prior diagnosis of OSA were excluded. Eighteen patients were identified (mean age at time of referral 51 + SD 13 years). Half of patients reported erectile dysfunction/concerns, 56% reported nocturia, 44% had been diagnosed with testosterone deficiency, and 39% reported low libido. Nearly all (89%) of patients snored, all reported fatigue, 56% were over the age of 50, 44% had a BMI >35, and 78% had hypertension. Twelve patients completed the HSAT, all of whom were diagnosed with OSA for which continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy was initiated. Men presenting with genitourinary concerns to an outpatient urology clinic may also have OSA. About half of included patients reported genitourinary concerns. Hundred percent of patients who completed their sleep study were diagnosed with OSA. Genitourinary concerns, in addition to signs and symptoms commonly associated with OSA, should prompt consideration of sleep apnea evaluation.

Lateral herniation during treatment with collagenase Clostridium histolyticum (Xiaflex) for Peyronie's disease.

BACKGROUND: Collagenase Clostridium histolyticum (CCH), also know as Xiaflex, with penile modeling is considered to be the gold standard non-surgical option for management of Peyronie's disease and is known to be safe and efficacious. Corporal rupture is a rare but known adverse event of CCH treatment, however there are limited studies describing corporal herniation without rupture. Here we present a patient who experienced a rare complication following CCH injections for Peyronie's disease: lateral herniation of the tunica albuginea in the setting of a dorsal penile plaque. CASE PRESENTATION: A 58-year-old male presented to our clinic seeking treatment for Peyronie's disease. On exam, he was found to have a palpable dorsal plaque and > 30 degrees leftward curvature of the penis. He was deemed an appropriate candidate for and patient decided to proceed with CCH and modeling. He received 2 cycles of CCH injections (4 total CCH injections) with in-office and at-home penile modeling, per manufacturer's protocol. Two weeks following in-office modeling during his second CCH cycle, the patient reported a painless, soft swelling involving the left side of his penile shaft only occurring with erection. Exam and history were suggestive of lateral herniation rather than corporal rupture. CCH was discontinued. Patient declined further evaluation with penile ultrasound. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first case report detailing lateral herniation with CCH injections. Symptoms and exam that should raise suspicion of corporal herniation are a soft, painless mass with erection.

Bulbar urethrocavernous fistula in setting of inflatable penile prosthesis: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Urethral injury or erosion of an inflatable penile prosthetic (IPP) cylinder is a rare complication of IPP placement. It can present with varying symptoms and management can be difficult with risk for future complications. We present a patient with an eroded IPP who developed a secondary contralateral urethrocavernous fistula requiring repeat urethroplasty. We also describe the literature surrounding these complications and strategies to prevent them. CASE PRESENTATION: A 69-year-old man with poorly controlled diabetes presented to our clinic with 6 months of intermittent white urethral discharge first noted after IPP removal and replacement by an outside urologist for device malfunction. Office cystoscopy revealed an eroded right-sided prosthetic cylinder in the bulbar urethra. The patient was taken to the operating room for IPP explantation with closure of right corporal defect, left sided malleable prosthesis placement, and primary excision with anastomosis of his bulbar urethra. A catheter was left in place for two weeks postoperatively, at which time a peri-catheter retrograde urethrogram was performed which showed no evidence of contrast extravasation and his catheter was subsequently removed. Several months later, he presented with recurrent urethral discharge without evidence of recurrent erosion on cystoscopy with development of scrotal abscesses following office cystoscopy, concerning for an unidentified urethral defect. He returned to the operating room for scrotal exploration and was noted on cystoscopy to have a pinpoint fistula between his left corporal body and his bulbar urethra. He underwent left sided malleable prosthetic explant, and non-transecting bulbar urethroplasty. Peri-catheter retrograde urethrogram two weeks later showed no contrast extravasation and he has had no recurrence of urethral discharge or scrotal abscesses since. CONCLUSIONS: Urethral erosion and urethrocavernous fistula formation are rare complications of penile prosthesis placement. Risks are elevated in patients with corporal fibrosis, diabetes, those undergoing penile implant revision surgery, and those requiring prolonged urethral catheterization.

Testosterone deficiency in men receiving immunotherapy for malignant melanoma.

Immunotherapy has been established as a standard of care for patients with malignant melanoma, however, the long-term side-effects of immunotherapy are still emerging. Studies over the last decade have documented increasing reports of endocrine dysfunction following the initiation of immunotherapy. Our study aimed to detect the proportion of men who have low testosterone before, during, and or/after receiving immunotherapy for malignant melanoma, and to determine the proportion of men who receive testosterone replacement therapy after detection of low testosterone. We performed retrospective chart review of patients with malignant melanoma treated with immunotherapy. Low testosterone was identified in 34 out of 49 patients at some point during their treatment with immunotherapy. Despite low testosterone levels in two-thirds of patients, only three patients were treated with testosterone replacement therapy. In addition to laboratory evidence of low testosterone, patients were also symptomatic as 43 out of 49 patients reported fatigue to their providers. Four patients developed hypophysitis and subsequent hypopituitarism, all of whom were receiving Ipilimumab. We conclude that patients with stage 3 or 4 melanoma treated with immunotherapy appear to be at an increased risk of developing testosterone deficiency during their treatment.

Evaluation and treatment of urinary incontinence in the aging male.

Risk of urinary incontinence (UI) increases with age and can have detrimental effects on patients and caregivers. UI should not be considered a normal part of aging and warrants a comprehensive evaluation. Treatment of UI in the aging male requires special consideration, particularly when it comes to comorbid conditions and potential side effects of intervention. The aim of this review is to discuss the evaluation of, risk factors for, and management of UI in the aging male.

Spinal Cord Stimulation for Visceral Pain: Present Approaches and Future Strategies.

INTRODUCTION: The introduction of successful neuromodulation strategies for managing chronic visceral pain lag behind what is now treatment of choice in refractory chronic back and extremity pain for many providers in the United States and Europe. Changes in public policy and monetary support to identify nonopioid treatments for chronic pain have sparked interest in alternative options. In this review, we discuss the scope of spinal cord stimulation (SCS) for visceral pain, its limitations, and the potential role for new intradural devices of the type that we are developing in our laboratories, which may be able to overcome existing challenges. METHODS: A review of the available literature relevant to this topic was performed, with particular focus on the pertinent neuroanatomy and uses of spinal cord stimulation systems in the treatment of malignant and nonmalignant gastrointestinal, genitourinary, and chronic pelvic pain. RESULTS: To date, there have been multiple off-label reports testing SCS for refractory gastrointestinal and genitourinary conditions. Though some findings have been favorable for these organs and systems, there is insufficient evidence to make this practice routine. The unique configuration and layout of the pelvic pain pathways may not be ideally treated using traditional SCS implantation techniques, and intradural stimulation may be a viable alternative. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the prevalence of visceral pain, the application of neuromodulation therapies, a standard approach for other painful conditions, has received far too little attention, despite promising outcomes from uncontrolled trials. Detailed descriptions of visceral pain pathways may offer several clues that could be used to implement devices tailored to this unique anatomy.

A Quality Analysis of the Last Decade's Most Heavily Cited Data Relative to Outcomes After Penile Prosthesis Placement.

BACKGROUND: The penile prosthesis has been used for men with erectile dysfunction for nearly 5 decades. Although many articles examine various outcome measures, wide variability exists in the quality of these studies. AIM: We sought to critically evaluate the most referenced literature related to penile prosthesis outcomes over the last 10 years. METHODS: A PubMed search of the indexed English literature was performed using the search terms "prospective," "penile prosthesis," and "outcomes", and all relevant publications from 2009 to 2019 were reviewed. In addition, we performed a Google Scholar search for the same interval using the search term "penile prosthesis outcomes" to evaluate manuscripts which have been most commonly cited. The most heavily cited manuscripts were sorted for relevancy using Google's internal algorithm, and then, the articles were reviewed by the authorship team for appropriateness of the subject matter. Articles with less than 10 citations were excluded. We used the Oxford Center for Evidence-Based Medicine Criteria as part of our evaluation of the published data involving independent research, as opposed to review articles summarizing previously published findings. RESULTS: We evaluated the most-cited literature of the past decade relevant to penile prosthesis outcomes and reported the major findings in regards to infection, erosion, extrusion, device reliability, and satisfaction (both the patient and partner). The majority of these studies are retrospective in nature. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: From our review of the most commonly cited studies, there was no high-level evidence published in this area within the last 10 years. There are multiple barriers to producing these types of studies in the evaluation of penile prosthesis outcomes. STRENGTHS & LIMITATIONS: Using the most commonly cited articles allows us to understand the data that are being cited in other new publications. Focusing on the most cited articles on penile prosthesis outcomes in the last 10 years is a limitation as there have been many more studies published in this area. CONCLUSION: While many studies have examined penile prosthesis outcomes, most of the heavily cited literature consists of low-level evidence. Higher quality research is necessary to better assess penile prosthesis outcomes. Chouhan JD, Pearlman AM, Kovell RC, et al. A Quality Analysis of the Last Decade's Most Heavily Cited Data Relative to Outcomes After Penile Prosthesis Placement. J Sex Med 2020;17:861-869.